West Texas Crude by Rick Marcum A Novel

"West Texas Crude has a great deal going for it, and may entertain readers despite its flaws. A bit of polishing and a more fully developed solution to the mystery, however, would put it in the league of James Magnuson’s wryly powerful works of Southwest noir."
-BlueInk Review

Synopsis

In West Texas Crude, a young Cochiti Pueblo student and quantum physics genius, Edwin Teba, has been attacked and left for dead. Edwin's college professor, Alex Lohr, soon realizes that he has a surprising personal connection to Edwin's family-someone he hasn't seen in over forty years. As a result, the college president asks Alex to help protect and defend Edwin's family. In the process, Alex learns that Edwin is involved in the creation of a revolutionary artificial intelligence with astounding potential. This special action means Alex must now put on hold his quest for inner peace and happiness. He has had a lifetime of struggling with his fears. So in his mind, the only way to totally eradicate his fear is to not just find the culprits but to kill them. As Alex considers all the potential attackers, we learn of his many financial successes and the transgressions he committed to enable them. Alex's life is also sprinkled with tremendous consequences. He has paid dearly for his many sins and only recently has he learned that “everything that looks good ain't always good for you.” Throughout his life, Alex has been exposed to evil in many forms, some more deceiving than others. And in West Texas Crude, we join him on his journey as he considers all the potential suspects. In the process, we learn the complexities of northern New Mexico, the pueblo people, and the Hispanic culture. But we also learn what Alex must do to find true happiness. He must confront the rage that lies deep in the heart of the man in the mirror.

BlueInk Review

on
Mar 07 2016

"West Texas Crude has a great deal going for it, and may entertain readers despite its flaws. A bit of polishing and a more fully developed solution to the mystery, however, would put it in the league of James Magnuson’s wryly powerful works of Southwest noir."